Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has returned to the Coalition’s Shadow Cabinet, taking on the small business and skills portfolios, as Northern Territory ministers moved quickly to congratulate her amid ongoing political tensions over her earlier remarks on national issues.
In a statement on Tuesday, Senator Price said: “I am honoured to have been appointed by the Leader of the Opposition as the Shadow Minister for Small Business, Skills and Training. It is a privilege to return to the Shadow Cabinet and to be part of an experienced and energised team, led by @AngusTaylorMP and @SenatorHume, that is determined to change our country for the better.”
Her appointment follows a period of heightened debate after comments she made in recent interviews drew criticism from some quarters. Against that backdrop, two Territory ministers of Indian heritage publicly welcomed her elevation to the Shadow Ministry.
Khoda Patel, Assistant Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations and a range of other portfolios including International Education, Migration and Population, said: “Congratulations to Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price on being appointed to the Federal Coalition Shadow Ministry as Shadow Minister for Skills and Training and Shadow Minister for Small Business.”
“These are practical, nation-building portfolios — central to strengthening our workforce, backing apprentices and trainees, and supporting the small businesses that keep communities moving. In the Shadow Ministry, Jacinta will play an important role scrutinising the Government and putting forward credible policies that drive jobs, skills and productivity.”
Mr Patel added that Territory representation at the national level remained important. “For the Northern Territory, it also matters that we have strong representation at the national level. A Territorian perspective helps ensure remote, regional and northern priorities aren’t overlooked — and that Canberra understands what works on the ground here.”
He concluded: “Wishing Jacinta all the very best in her new roles, and every success as she continues to advocate for Territorians and all Australians.🙏”
Jinson Anto Charls, Minister for People, Sport and Culture and Minister for Multicultural Affairs in the Territory, also offered public support. “Congratulations to Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price on her appointment to the Federal Coalition Shadow Ministry as Shadow Minister for Skills and Training and Shadow Minister for Small Business,” he said.
“These are important portfolios, and as part of the Shadow Ministry, this role plays a key part in holding the Government to account while shaping strong alternative policies for jobs, skills and business growth.”
“It is especially important for the Northern Territory to have representation at this level. Having a Territorian voice in national discussions ensures our unique challenges, opportunities and regional perspectives are heard”
Mr Charls said national representation mattered for the Territory. “It is especially important for the Northern Territory to have representation at this level. Having a Territorian voice in national discussions ensures our unique challenges, opportunities and regional perspectives are heard.”
“Wishing Jacinta every success in these roles and look forward to her continued contribution for Territorians and all Australians.”
In her own statement, Senator Price criticised the Albanese Government’s economic record, saying: “Because right now, under the Albanese Government, Australia is changing for the worse. Under Labor, Australians are worse off, our country is less secure, and our nation is divided.”
She said, “Some 40,000 businesses have collapsed on Anthony Albanese’s watch. Last year was the worst on record for business insolvencies. Labor has put in place some 5,000 new regulations that are like sand in the gears of the economy. As Angus Taylor said, we need government that gets the big things right but gets off people’s backs. We need businesses to be freer – liberated from Labor’s onerous taxes and the reams of government paperwork that turn ambition into anxiety.”
Addressing skills shortages, Senator Price said: “We have skills shortages across the economy too. Part of the problem is that too many young Australians have been told that university is the path they must pursue. I want to talk about the nobility that is inherent in other paths too – working in a trade, working in our health and childcare sectors, working in agriculture and mining, working in hospitality and transport, and much more besides.”
She added: “We used to call these roles ‘blue collar jobs’. But the people who work in them are nation builders and nation boosters. And we need more of them.”
Looking ahead, she said: “There is much hard work ahead for the Liberal Party – and the Coalition more broadly. Far beyond holding the worst government in our nation’s history to account, we need to start being an alternative government that Australians can get behind.”
“In my new role, I can’t wait to get out there and to fight for small businesses and those professions that make our nation tick, to fight for everyday Australians, and to fight for the nation we love. Decline is a choice. And I choose to work with duty, dedication and discipline to reverse the national decline that is happening under Anthony Albanese. The Coalition will fight for Australia because Australia is worth fighting for.”
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